Ground broken on Bayonet Head Early Learning Centre

The West Australian community of Albany will soon have additional early childhood education and care (ECEC) options thanks to the construction of the Bayonet Head Early Learning Centre.

To be built on Stranmore Boulevard, the service will add an additional 72 ECEC places to the community and is expected to open in early 2025. The location of the centre, to the north-east of central Albany, where most of the city’s childcare centres are located will cater for the rapidly growing and developing area where many young families are expected to live and work. 

City of Albany mayor Greg Stocks, deputy mayor Paul Terry and centre director Caroline Parry were some of the attendees of the ground breaking ceremony held last week. 

Ms Parry said she was thrilled about the facility and the opportunity it presents for the Albany community. 

“We believe that every child deserves the best possible start in life,” she said.

“Our centre will be a place where children can learn, grow and thrive in a safe and nurturing environment.”

Albany was classified as a child care desert in research conducted in 2022, and since that time the City has committed to addressing concerns, with renovations to the former indoor markets building on Stirling Terrace are also set to boost ECEC availability in the near future.

Last year Village Childcare received a $140,000 State Government grant to help convert the building into a long daycare service capable of providing 68 places.

Work is expected to start on Bayonet Head Early Learning Centre in coming months at the completion of a tender process.

For local coverage of this story please see here.